The Rhönklub Branch Association Vacha is expanding the Oechsenberg shelter
Oechsenberg Hut Expansion Project Kicks Off in Rhön Region
The Rhön Club Branch Association Vacha has embarked on an expansion project for the Oechsenberg hut, a popular destination in the region. The symbolic groundbreaking ceremony took place on Wednesday, marking the start of the project.
The expansion includes an extension of the covered outdoor area to create 30 additional seats, improvements to the sanitary facilities, and a redesign of the sales area. The project will be funded through the European LEADER program, with additional support from local and regional government bodies, fundraising efforts by the Rhön Club members, and possibly donations or sponsorships.
The increasing number of visitors has necessitated this expansion. The Oechsenberg hut, which became the "home mountain" of the Rhön Club Branch Association Vacha, is one of the most popular destinations in the region.
The project planner, Christian Erbe, has made a valuable contribution by working out the entire planning free of charge. County Commissioner Dr. Brodführer praised the efforts of the 1st Deputy of the Wartburg district, Udo Schilling, in securing the LEADER funding.
The Bismarcktower, a characteristic building on the Oechsenberg, was built by the association. However, it was demolished due to basalt mining that operated on the Oechsenberg until the end of the 1980s.
The Rhön Club Branch Association Vacha was founded in 1877 by Grand Ducal Chief Forester Richard Schmidt with 48 members. After a political turnaround, the association successfully rebuilt the Oechsenberg hut and a four-meter high Celtic cross in 1999, but the hut was destroyed in an arson attack the same year. The new Oechsenberg protective hut was reopened on May 26, 2002.
The 1st Chairman of the Rhön Club ZV Vacha, Matthias Niebergall, welcomed several dignitaries and association members at the groundbreaking ceremony. Niebergall thanked Landrat Dr. Michael Brodführer, 2nd Deputy Martin Rosenstengel, and Mayor Martin Müller for their contributions to the project.
The construction start is planned for the fall due to nature conservation reasons. For precise and current details about the project's scope and funding, it is recommended to contact the Rhön Club Branch Association Vacha directly or visit their official communications.
The expansion project for the Oechsenberg hut, a popular destination in the Rhön Region, will transform its outdoor-living spaces by extending the covered area, enhancing sanitary facilities, and redesigning the sales area – all aimed at accommodating the increasing number of visitors. The project, funded by the European LEADER program and other sponsors, is part of a lifestyle initiative aimed at improving home-and-garden experiences for visitors to this beloved destination.
